I was driving home and I noticed my brake pedal could be pushed too the floor. I had to pump it in order to brake properly. What could have gone wrong? Is this a symptom of anything? Thanks!

My car is a 93 Si hatchback and I changed my brake pads about six to eight months ago. I haven't changed the master cylinder. Could my MC have gone bad?

 

Yes, your master cylinder could have gone out.

 

If you guys don't mind, may I ask how much on average does it cost to replace a MC?

 

You can get a used one pretty cheap. eBay has OEM replacement ones cheap and you can put it on.

 

1. your icon is freaking me out
2. did you bother to check the fluid level?
3.if so and its not low, then it is most likely you MC.

it's easy to replace yourself.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by instrument &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">1. your icon is freaking me out
2. did you bother to check the fluid level?
3.if so and its not low, then it is most likely you MC.

it's easy to replace yourself.</TD></TR></TABLE>

Yes sir. Checked fluid levels and it's the same. Thank you.

 

I've also replaced blown brake boosters before. Does your idle do anything when you press the brake pedal? Also, have you checked all four corners to make sure fluid isn't going anywhere? Lastly, did you bleed your lines really well when you did your pads. I know you said it started happening in the middle of driving - and that's 95% a master cylinder problem - but it's nice to get other options out of the way

 

the master is the most likely part to fail in my experience. before you buy anything make sure that all of you lines look good esp. the rubber lines to the calipers/wheel cylinders to be sure you have no leaks. if you see dampness under the master cyl on the booster, tale-tell sign that the MC is bad.

as far as price, i don't think it will break the bank. also this is a part i would splurge on. you will get your dollars worth. when you put the new one on make sure you follow the right procedure for bleeding the MC and the lines.

it's not hard, you just have to do it.